Home Affairs Minister promises investigation into alleged corruption of Police ranks in East Berbice
Georgetown, GINA, November 25, 2005
Minister of Home Affairs Gail Teixeira assured Region Six residents that there will be a thorough investigation into allegations made ranging from corruption to collusion with criminal elements against certain Police ranks of ‘B’ Division.
Addressing residents who had blocked the bridge at Tain, she spoke of steps that are taken based on the complaints; firstly those implicated were to be withdrawn pending their investigation.
“We will set up an investigating committee to take evidence from people who have been victims of Police corruption, or victims of suspect Police involvement in any criminal activities,” said Minister Teixeira.
Residents of Tain and surrounding communities at East Berbice vented their frustration by setting alight vehicles and tyres in protest, demanding the removal of members of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU). Some passionately called for the removal of the Police from the Region. In response, the Minister cautioned them not to act hastily.
“There are 600 vacancies in the Police Force now so it is not easy to send replacements so quickly…..if you want to remove all the Police in Region Six, you are opening the doors to some very serious gangs and criminals in your midst. You are opening the place to anarchy. I want to assure that any Police rank found to be guilty of corruption will not remain in the Police Force,” stated Minister Teixeira.
She noted that to date, over 90 Policemen are before the courts for breaching the code of conduct on various charges.
“The Commissioner of Police and l are serious about lifting the standards of the Police and their professionalism so do not doubt our seriousness.”
The Minister said however, that there is need for evidence to support the claims that are being made by residents in order for the authorities to proceed with prosecution. But for this to be done, Minister Teixeira said there is need for stability in the area. Eight areas in that neighbourhood elected amongst themselves three representatives each to form a committee to work with the Minister in addressing the crime situation and to restore confidence in the community.
The Minister spent five hours with residents speaking to them on the road as well as at the Tain Primary School. She will be returning to have another community meeting to work on the agreed names of the investigating committee and report on issues raised on Monday 28.
“I need your support to restore peace and order,” pleaded Minister Teixeira.
After a meeting with the more than 300 residents of East Berbice and Tain, it was also decided that the TSU will be immediately replaced and that every two months the Unit will be rotated. This, Minister Teixeira assured residents will ensure that one team will not become too immersed in the community.
Reports coming out of Berbice at this time are that despite the agreements made with the majority of persons at Tain School where over 200 persons attended, a section which came later in the afternoon refused to accept the decisions made by the 24 committee leaders and the larger community. These leaders appealed to them to stop the burning and to open the road but they refused. As this goes to the press, tyres were still being burnt.
Accompanying the Minister was Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Edward Willis and Commander of ‘B’ Division Mr. Conway.
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Muritaro residents vote for snap election
- new village council to be elected on December 11
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues meeting with the Muritaro Village Council on November 25 2005.
Georgetown , GINA, November 26, 2005.
Government is committed to continue developing Amerindian communities from Orealla to Takutu. This was emphasised by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues when she held interactive sessions on November 25 with the Village Council and residents of Muritaro, Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
The Minister’s visit was on the invitation of the Village Council which has been encountering a number of difficulties. Some of the issues raised during the meeting were the lack of financial accountability, the absence of two Councillors and the need for a collaborative effort between the Council and residents
While addressing the Council, Minister Rodrigues advised that such a meeting will identify the problems facing the Council and the community and finding resolutions.
“Problems can be solved if we have respect for each other so that we can work together and make decisions for the benefit of the entire community,” the Minister said.
As the discussions proceeded, Councillors pointed out that there is one member who have not attended the Council’s meeting for almost one year, while another has left the community to attend the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
The Councillors consulted with the Minister on the issue and later decided that the absent member be relieved of his duties as a Councillor, since he has not been given any permission for his absence for such a long period.
With regard to the other member, the Council took the decision to write the individual requesting that she resign from the Council, since she would not be able to function while being a full-time student at the CPCE.
The Council instructed the treasurer to prepare a monthly financial report and present it to the secretary and the Toshao who will then relate to the Council and the community.
Following the meeting with the Village Council, Minister Rodrigues held another meeting with residents to inform them of the decisions taken by the Council and other matters relating to the development of the community.
Residents were also allowed the opportunity to raise other issues, some of which were the need for technical assistance and for more teachers at the Muritaro primary school. One teacher has responsibility for approximately 120 students.
With regard to the problems facing the Village Council, the majority of residents voted for elections to be held before April 2006 and it was decided this would be done on December 11.
The Regional Development Officer, Region Ten was also present at the meeting. He advised the residents that the regional administration will look into the education matter while contact will be made with the Agriculture Ministry for assistance for farmers.
Muritaro is located on the right bank of the Demerara river and received its land title in 2003.
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Residents’ problems at Ann’s Grove/Clonbrook, Bee Hive to be addressed
Georgetown, GINA, November 26, 2005
Government will be addressing some of the major concerns of residents of the Ann’s Grove/Clonbrook and Bee Hive communities, East Coast Demerara.
“I am positive that some of the issues affecting you will be addressed as soon as possible.” This assurance was given by Minister of Housing and Water Shaik Baksh when he and Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar held a community meeting with residents of the communities at the Clonbrook Primary School yesterday.
The visit by the Ministers was the result of a request made by President Bharrat Jagdeo to follow-up on some of the decisions, which were made when he visited the area three weeks ago.
Explaining that the meeting is aimed at getting a feedback from residents and to document their complaints and problems to report to President Jagdeo when he returns, Minister Baksh pointed out that “we are not here to make speeches but to listen to your concerns, document them and see how the relevant Ministries of Government can assist.”
However, Minister Baksh explained that following the President’s visit monies were allocated to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to execute some major drainage work, repair roads and bridges in the area.
During the meeting between the Ministers and residents the main problems emerging were lack of potable water, need for road repairs, need for additional bridges and repairs to those existing and the need for a multi-purpose building or a pavillion to accommodate persons on special events and occasions.
However, the main issue was not having access to potable water. One resident of Central Bee Hive explained that she has not been receiving water for five years.
On this issue Minister Baksh promised the residents that he will discuss it with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
He also noted that he will have GWI’s Divisional Manager for East Coast and West Berbice, Mr. Asquith Hamilton, send in a team to the area next week to follow up the issue.
There were also several allegations of racial discrimination by officials of GWI with regards to the disconnection of water supply and metering of pipelines. The issue of estimated water bills were also discussed and Minister Baksh promised to investigate the allegations.
Some residents of Bee Hive raised concerns about having applied several years ago for house lots and not receiving a response from the Housing Ministry. On this issue Minister Baksh asked the group to meet him on Wednesday at his office.
Meanwhile, on the repairs to roads and access bridges in the area, Minister Kowlessar explained that Government is trying its best to improve the country’s road network, pointing out however, that all the roads cannot be done at the same time but they are on the Region’s work programme to be repaired.
Residents agreed that if Government provided the building materials they would be willing to come together and repair the roads and bridges.
With regard to other issues the Ministers promised to follow-up with the relevant Ministers, including a request for relocation of the Ann’s Grove Police station.
Minister Baksh also informed residents of Government’s plans to establish two new housing estates shortly at Dochfour and Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara. He said that approximately $110M has been expended on a massive infrastructure programme for the two housing areas.
Works in the areas are expected to commence shortly. Minister Baksh is urging all those who are interested in acquiring house lots in the areas to apply soon, since there are several house lots yet to be allocated.
At the conclusion of the meeting residents expressed their satisfaction to the Ministers for taking their needs into consideration.
Before the meeting yesterday, Minister Baksh accompanied by GWI’s Divisional Manager for East Coast and West Berbice, Mr. Hamilton and other GWI officials toured the communities to have a first-hand look at the road works, bridges and water connections which were in different parts of the village.
While on these visits residents complained of substandard work which was done on several streets in the village.
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Police Force to implement heightened security measures for holiday season
Georgetown , GINA November 26, 2005
The Guyana Police Force yesterday engaged members of the private sector, Joint Services, private security sector and the media in discussions relating to the enhancement of security measures to be implemented during the holiday season.
Present were Commissioner of Police Winston Felix, Assistant Commissioner Ivelaw Bumbury, Crime Chief Henry Green, Commander of ‘A’ Division Paul Slowe, representatives from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, owners of several private security services and members of the media.
According to Commissioner Felix, a number of proactive measures will be implemented to address the usual upsurge in crime, which is prevalent during the Christmas season.
These would include the reinforcement of some previous measures in addition to the implmentation of new strategies for the rest of the season until January 15.
He explained that these measures will be implemented in several areas at specific locations, based on data from trends over the past few years.
‘A’ Division Commander Paul Slowe disclosed that 126 ranks would be deployed in various locations throughout the city performing various functions.
He said 70 ranks have been assigned to beat duties, 40 will be deployed at various booths, 15 officers will supervise the exercise and one officer assigned as patrol officer.
He added that new equipment and vehicles will be used to enhance the capability of the officers. These include communication equipment such as mobile phones, radio-sets, ‘ring down’ phones and landline phones at various booths.
Bicycles, motorcycles, tow trucks and ‘4X4’ vehicles have also been procured to enhance the efficiency of the effort.
Slowe said special attention will be given to traffic violations during the Christmas season since there is increased activity during this time, and irresponsibility by road users sometimes obstructs the flow of traffic along major roadways.
Attention will be given to Regent, Sheriff, Water and King Street, Homestretch and Mandela Avenues, North Road (next to Bourda Market) and the major minibus and car parks.
Speeding, double-parking and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are some of the areas to be targeted.
He added that some inconsiderate businessmen also compound the traffic problems by parking containers along narrow roadway such as Regent Street and they are sometimes left for days and weeks.
Slowe added that the thrust of the effort is to restore confidence in the areas of security around the city. This will also benefit business community through uninhibited increased commercial activity.
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Violence against women a never-ending cycle
-Minister Shadick.
Georgetown, GINA, November 26, 2005.
Government is stepping up its campaign in the fight against all forms of violence in society as Guyana observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Addressing participants at a March and Rally at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, West Coast Demerara, themed “For the Health of Women, For the Health of the World,” Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick pointed out that violence against women is prevalent mainly because women allow themselves to be victimized.
Minister Shadick noted that in most cases where women abuse men, they are the consequences of women having endured constant abuse in the past. “We need to take a stand for ourselves; violence escalates when women tolerate it,” she said. The Minister observed that 30 women have already succumbed this year due to violence perpetrated by men they knew or were not familiar with.
She added that statistics have proved that young girls are subject to rape, physical and other types of abuse and often suffer psychologically and most of them contract sexually transmitted infections.
She declared “Violence against women is a never-ending cycle,” and children who grow up in a home where violence is prevalent, tend to adopt that as part of their lifestyle and they are most likely to use violence on their spouses.
Minister Shadick appealed to everyone in attendance to enlighten anyone who practice abuse about the consequences they are causing to the victim.
President of the Guyana Chest Society, Dr. Motie Lall, who was also present, acknowledged the efforts of Ms.Marva Grandeson, chairperson of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee for organizing such a programme to educate the general public on how violence on women decimates society.
TOP Minister Baksh visits several areas in Region Three-regularization of Goed Fortuin progressing
Supervisory Engineer attached to the Ministry of Housing and Water, Surendra Singh (right) points to one of the roads under construction in the Zeelugt Housing area as Minister Baksh inspects the site.
Georgetown , GINA, November 26, 2005
Residents of several areas in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) were today able to express their concerns when Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh and a team from his Ministry visited a number of housing areas in the Region to inspect communities that have already been regularized and those which are under consideration for a similar exercise.
The team first visited Nismes, which is to be regularised by the Ministry and Minister Baksh told residents that a survey has been completed in that regard.
The area consists of approximately 30 house lots and residents cited the need for water and electricity. Some eager residents had already installed their own electricity and pipes but others queried when the entire area would be electrified.
To this end, Minister Baksh disclosed that the community is not included in the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) and its electrification may not get underway until 2006. He however, pointed out that this may be done under a separate programme usually implemented by the Ministry.
In the meantime, during further discussions, residents agreed to provide some of the basic infrastructure for the community in exchange for a reduction of their house lot prices. It was also decided that following meetings of community members within the next few days, a representative of the community would visit the Ministry on Wednesday to finalise discussions and to provide any information on the community’s collective decision.
A new road under construction in the newly-regularised Goed Fortuin housing area, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
At Goed Fortuin, Minister Baksh divulged that the area had recently been regularized with lots allocated, and infrastructure, such as roads water and electricity, were being put in place.
Many residents expressed their gratitude to Minister Baksh for seeing the process through but raised concerns about the remaining squatters not willing to move off of lots and impeding the area’s development in the process.
According to supervisor of the project, Rasheed Khan, the project has progressed significantly and many squatters were already removed or relocated. The $33M programme entails the construction of roads, drainage and irrigation systems and the provision of water-supply to Goed Fortuin.
Visits were later made to Tuschen and Zeelugt, areas which have been almost completed in terms of installation of infrastructure. Electricity poles were already set up in the areas and Minister Baksh explained that this was being done under the UAEP.
There are approximately 420 house lots in Tuschen, while at Zeelugt, there are 707. The Zeelugt project is being implemented at a cost of $194M.
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh and other officials meeting with residents of the newly-regularised Goed Fortuin Housing area, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara).
The Housing Minister pointed out that there are about 29 squatters residing on the Zeelugt community’s open space with 14 occupying sea defence reserves. These persons, the Minister said, would have to be relocated and arrangements are being put in place. Meanwhile, during the Minister’s inspection of project sites at Zeelugt, a number of residents converged on the scene, requesting Government assistance for water-supply.
The residents explained that they have not been receiving water for some time though pipes were laid and some were paying water rates.
As a consequence, the Minister committed to look into the complaint.
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Acting President Samuel Hinds on a walk about on Regent street in Georgetown earlier today.
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